How to properly set the table. Setting the festive table Performing traditional types of table setting

Compliance with table setting etiquette primarily indicates good attitude the owner of the house to the guests. However, in Lately you can find a properly set table only at various kinds official events, banquets or buffets. You need to please your loved ones on ordinary days, creating a festive atmosphere with the help of colorful decorations. In this article we will talk about the basic rules of table setting, various directions and interesting ways decoration.

Table etiquette or how to properly set the table

If you are invited to a dinner party for the first time, the number of cutlery and their order can be confusing. A well-organized festive dinner means proper placement of cutlery on the table, adherence to table etiquette and decoration appropriate for the event. To learn how to use cutlery correctly, you need to understand a few points.

Rule No. 1: forks, spoons, knives are placed in the order in which dishes are served (appetizers, soup, meat or fish, fruit, dessert). Each item on the table plays its role.

General rules for table setting suggest the following tableware arrangement patterns:

a snack plate is placed in front of the guest;
on the left is a cake plate or paper napkin with additional cutlery;
on the right are knives and spoons, and on the left are forks;
Wine glasses and glasses, as well as dessert cutlery, are placed in front of the main plate;
There is a napkin on the appetizer plate.

Rule No. 2: serving items should be used for their intended purpose. The utensils located on the right side are taken and held while eating in the right hand, and those located on the left - with the left hand.

The question of how to use a knife deserves special attention. It is necessary that the end of the handle rests on the palm right hand, the thumb and middle fingers clasped the base of the knife from the side, and the index finger lay on the surface of the handle. This will make it more convenient for you to cut off the desired piece of meat or fish, and you won’t have to blush in front of strangers.

Rule No. 3: table decoration involves the use of all kinds of decorative elements: a white ironed tablecloth, lace napkins, colorful runners and fragrant flowers.

To better understand the principle of table etiquette, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the video material presented below. You will learn a lot of useful things and will forever forget about the problem of improper use of cutlery.

On video: serving and serving rules.

Scheme and sequence

There is no single correct option for setting the table, because each country has different traditions regarding this issue. Much also depends on the menu, the number of dishes and their focus. Do not forget that depending on the time of day, the design of the kitchen or dining room can vary greatly.

It is customary to set the table according to the following order: tablecloth, dishes and cutlery, wine glasses, glasses, glasses, napkins, decor.

Let's start with the tablecloth - it should be perfectly ironed and match the nature of the event. So, for a dinner party, models in neutral shades are suitable, and for Sunday tomorrow with the family, there is nothing better than a bright tablecloth and napkins with unusual drawings. Average length of this product is 25 cm. This figure is far from accidental - an excessively large descent of the tablecloth will look sloppy, and a small one will look awkward.

The smoothed fabric should cover the entire surface, and the corners should fall against the table legs, covering them evenly.

Choose a tablecloth that is the right size

Next comes the arrangement of dishes and cutlery. In a number European countries, and in Russia too, it is customary to first display porcelain and glass plates, saucers, wine glasses and glasses. When setting the table, it is important to consider that all items will change depending on how the dishes are served. That is why it is better to place dishes and cutlery at a distance of 1 cm from each other, starting from the edge of the table.

Selection and placement of tablecloths and runners

Every housewife keeps an elegant white tablecloth in her closet. However, you should not limit yourself to just one model; now stores offer a wide selection of products of various sizes, colors and styles. For rectangular tables tablecloths 50 cm longer than the tabletop are suitable, and for round or oval ones - 100 cm wider than the diameter of the table.

Designers insist that the color of the tablecloth be combined with the shade of the curtains and the overall style of the room. The main thing is to iron the fabric well, and the choice of colors depends only on the preferences of the residents of the house. You can choose a traditional beige or white bed, or choose a more custom option.

Another new way to decorate a table is to use plain table runners and placemats. You can see examples of such decoration in the photo below.

Plates placement

First, deep, wooden or salad plates are placed on napkins or special tracks. Not far from them are tea utensils and dishes for desserts. The distance from the edge of the table to the dishes should be about 1.5-2 cm. It is also recommended to place a paper napkin under the appetizer plate so that it does not slide on the tablecloth.

Next in order is the layout of the cutlery. According to the rules of etiquette, they are laid out according to the number of courses, placed reverse side to the table. On the right are spoons and knives, on the left are forks. In most cases, there is one set of cutlery for each person.

If you want to amaze your guests, you can additionally set the table with bright glasses, glasses, special forks, tea and dessert spoons.

Serving glasses, glasses, wine glasses

The plates are followed by glasses - they are arranged from largest to smallest. The choice of items depends on the guests' preferences regarding certain drinks. These can be glasses for water, glasses for white or red wine, glasses for juice, as well as glasses for strong drinks.

Glasses are located on the right, glasses on the left, forming straight line. It is allowed to arrange dishes and cutlery in two rows if there are a large number of participants in the event.

Before serving glasses on the table, make sure the dishes are clean. All items must be thoroughly washed, wiped with a towel and made sure there are no chips or other defects.

Selecting and serving napkins

Classic table setting involves the use of plain napkins in neutral shades. As with the arrangement of cutlery, there are no clear rules for the placement of napkins. They can be beautifully stacked next to a snack plate (designed for bread, tarts and salads) or placed in a water glass, decorated with decorative rings and ribbons.

If you're setting the table for dinner, simply place napkins on the side of each plate, as shown below.

On video: how to properly set the table.

Table decor (finishing)

An excellent table decor option is a tablecloth made from synthetic material. This solution is suitable for both home gatherings and a festive dinner, the main thing is to choose the right color. It is easy to care for such a tablecloth - it does not wrinkle, does not wear out and retains its original appearance for a long time. appearance. As an addition, fabric napkins, plates, and lace runners are used.

To make your living room interior elegant, cozy and unforgettable, place a bouquet of fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, an antique sugar bowl and crystal glasses on the table.

Cutlery in modern style They are distinguished by a variety of shapes, shades and their unique functional features.

Types of serving

The table decoration may vary depending on the time of day and the nature of the festive dinner. In this case, banquet, buffet, tea and coffee serving are distinguished. However, certain differences exist. Breakfast requires a minimum number of dishes to serve the table, and during dinner there is always a large number of dishes and cutlery on the table.

For breakfast (+ Sunday breakfast)

This is the simplest type of table setting. Snack plates are placed first, then cups, glasses and small saucers. A teaspoon is placed on top of the latter. If your family uses egg cups or butter bowls, don't forget a teaspoon. A deep bowl (for porridge or cereal) is placed on a snack plate.

Sunday breakfast cannot be imagined without tea, which is why there is a coffee pot or teapot in the center.

You can decorate the table with flowers, unusual napkins and various decorative elements. Family Sunday breakfasts are becoming a good tradition in many homes; they bring loved ones closer to each other. The key point in setting the table for breakfast is the creation good mood and convenience while eating.

Dining

There are several types of table settings for dinner. It all depends on the number of dishes and their nature. Cover the table with a white tablecloth, place one flat and one deep plate (for soup or salad). If there are dishes on the menu that cannot be eaten from shared dishes, add a snack plate. Arrange cutlery according to proper etiquette. Beautifully folded napkins are perfect for table decoration.

A distinctive feature of the table setting for dinner is the installation of a salt shaker and other items for spices and seasonings.

Full evening

You can set the table not only for family members, relatives or friends, but also for unfamiliar guests. Preliminary serving in accordance with all the canons is the key to the success of any dinner party, because everyone should be comfortable and comfortable. Table decor creates special atmosphere, which is conducive to heartfelt conversations, wonderful memories and plans for the future.

For the holiday to be a success, it is necessary to observe following rules table etiquette:

A perfectly clean, ironed tablecloth. It is advisable that the product be made of thick fabric (this will prevent the dishes from clinking when dropped and protect the surface from spilled liquid).
For registration festive table It is not acceptable to use different software color scheme dishes and cutlery. Give preference to monochromatic options from one set. All decorative elements (vases, coasters, napkin rings) should be sparkling clean, the same goes for dishes.
It is prohibited to serve corked bottles of champagne or wine. All alcoholic drinks are served in open bottles and then poured into wine glasses. One cloth napkin is placed next to the glasses.

Banquet room

Banquet service is not much different from full evening service, but there are some peculiarities of this type registration So, shallow plates are placed at a distance of 1 cm from each other, starting from the center, first on one side, then on the other. They should be clearly opposite one another. Snack and pie saucers are placed on these plates. Next stage– placement of cutlery at a distance of 0.5 cm from a shallow plate.

A distinctive feature of the banquet is the decoration of the table with special personalized cards, which indicate the personal information of the event participant. They are located to the left of the wine glasses.

Buffet room

Buffet table setting is becoming increasingly popular; it is used at private parties, official events and during informal communication between business partners. There are two options: one-sided and two-sided serving. Each has its own distinctive features. In the first case, the table is decorated only on one side and is placed near the wall. The second one is usually used at corporate events, weddings and anniversaries.

Serving is done on both sides in accordance with a special scheme. The main thing is that you can take the dish without special effort(therefore the table occupies the entire central part of the room).

When serving a buffet, it is especially important to maintain equal intervals between cutlery and other items. They begin to set the table by arranging glass and crystal glassware, after which vases with flowers and bottles of alcoholic beverages are placed in the center of the table.

The labels on the bottles should be facing the same direction. IN certain situations(when there are many guests) a separate table is allocated for drinks and snacks.

Coffee shop

The nature and basic provisions of coffee etiquette directly depend on the drinks chosen. It can be Turkish coffee, classic coffee, Italian expresso. Stronger drinks prepared on the stove are served in porcelain cups from one set. A geyser coffee maker can help you create the perfect coffee drink - this is an ancient secret of the peoples of the East.

When pouring coffee, make sure that the cups are only two-thirds full (this allows guests to add a little milk or cream).

Coffee table setting includes three elements - a saucer, a cup and a teaspoon. Additional items include a dessert plate that can hold cakes, and cutlery for fruit or sweets. The arrangement of dishes should begin with desserts. When all the guests have arrived, you can start preparing drinks.

Teahouse

If each guest is assigned a certain place at the table, then the basis for serving is the principle that a cup and saucer with the necessary list of cutlery and a small plate for desserts are placed in front of each participant in the tea party. The main dish is located in the center of the table. This could be a bowl of pastries, a cake, an apple pie, a bowl of fruit.

Particular attention is paid to the decor; all elements must be evenly spaced around the perimeter of the table. It is customary to leave the teapot and the kettle with boiling water on the edge. In the case of a samovar, it is placed clearly in the center.

When inviting friends for tea, make sure that you have enough tea sets (it is better if there are 1-2 more than the expected guests).

In conclusion, it is worth adding that table setting is, first of all, an individual design of the surrounding space. Don't limit yourself to just one arrangement of objects; show your imagination and decorate the table with incredible decor and fresh flowers. Informal creativity and adherence to the classic rules of dining etiquette are the key to a successful festive dinner, Sunday morning and friendly gatherings with friends over a cup of aromatic coffee.

10 etiquette secrets from aristocrats (1 video)

Proper serving is always a sign of attention to guests, a way to create a festive atmosphere, and also an indicator of the artistic taste of the hostess.

In this material we will look at the rules of informal serving, that is, those that are appropriate for receiving guests at home in Everyday life and on holidays.
Serving at home depends on the occasion, time of day, theme and menu, but in all cases the purpose of serving is the same - to arrange the dishes and cutlery so that it is convenient and pleasant for the diners to eat.

Based on this goal, table setting rules were invented. In everyday life, all these canons need to be observed only on the most solemn occasions, but once you have mastered their essence, you will be able to set the table with your own hands for any occasion - from a romantic dinner to a family New Year celebration.

Before you begin, take a look at two sample table settings. As you can see, setting a home holiday table for guests is much easier than setting a formal reception!

So, how to set the table? We have compiled step by step instructions in a certain sequence, describing each of the stages. In short, the most convenient procedure is as follows:

Tablecloth – Plates – Cutlery – Glasses – Napkins – Decor (vase with flowers, candles, themed decorations).

Keep in mind that a few days before the event you need to resolve all organizational issues and prepare:

Decide on the number of people, create a menu, tidy up the tablecloth, check the quantity and quality of napkins, dishes, cutlery, and think about the decor.

On the day of receiving guests, wipe all dishes and cutlery clean, and then start setting the table.

Step 1. First lay the tablecloth

The main thing here is to make sure that the overhang of the tablecloth is no more and no less than 20-30 cm. A shorter overhang will look ugly, and a longer overhang will be inconvenient for those sitting at the table.

As for the color, you can choose either the win-win and traditional white, or lay down any option you like, complement it with runners and underplates as shown in the photo.

Here are some examples festive table setting at home and without a tablecloth at all.

Step 2. Lay out the plates

This part of the “serving” theory will be the most extensive. After all, the composition and combination of plates depends on the planned menu, the number of guests and the scale of the holiday.

By classical rules When setting the table, one person can rely on several plates:

A large substitute plate (serving) - for a daytime and everyday table it is not necessary, and some serving styles (for example, rustic) allow its absence. The photo below shows examples of serving with and without a substitution plate.

You may also need: medium (snack), small (pie or dessert) and deep soup bowl.

According to the canon, the type of deep plate depends on the type of soup. For thick soups, choose a wide one (photo on the left); for light broth or cream soup, choose a bowl with or without handles (photo on the right). But this is precisely the rule that can easily be ignored.

As for the arrangement of plates, appetizer or deep plates are placed on wildcards, dessert and/or salad plates are placed on the left as shown in the picture on the right. In this place there can also be a tea pair, a pie plate or, for example, an egg bowl on the occasion of Easter. The photo below shows options for festive serving and plate composition.

Plates should be placed at a distance of 1.5-2 cm from the edge of the table and at the same distance from each other;
To prevent the snack plate from sliding on the stand, you need to put a paper or textile napkin between them as shown in the photo below.

Step 3. Place the cutlery

Now let's start laying out the devices. They are placed on the sides according to the number of courses (with the concave side facing the table):

To the right of the plates are knives and spoons;
On the left are forks;
You can put a teaspoon on top.

Festive serving at home does not require availability large quantity special knives, forks and spoons. Most often, one knife, one fork and a couple of spoons are enough (for soup and dessert).

But if necessary and desired, you can additionally set the table with special forks, knives and spoons as shown in the following photo selection.

You can learn more about the rules for arranging devices in the following video lesson.

Step 4. Place glasses, wine glasses, glasses

Next, behind the plates, a little to the right, we place the glasses from largest to smallest. Depending on the drinks available and the preferences of the guests, glasses for water, red/white wine, champagne and/or a glass for juice, spirits and shot glasses are displayed.

Step 5. Serving napkins

For especially special occasions, napkins can be folded beautifully and artistically on a plate. For all other cases, there are no strict rules for serving napkins. They can be placed in a glass of water, placed under a snack plate, inserted into rings, tied with a ribbon and decorated with decorations.

If you are setting the table not for a holiday, but, for example, for lunch, then you can place napkins on the side of the plate under the forks as shown in the photo below.

Step 6. The final touch - table decor

Hurray, almost ready! All that remains is to decorate the festive table with flowers in a vase and themed decorations. On New Year these can be pine cones, rosemary and fir branches, on March 8 - flower buds, and on Easter - hares and willow branches. The topic of table decor should be given more attention in a separate article, but for now we suggest taking a look at photos of beautifully decorated tables in different themes and styles.

Easter table setting

And a little about the arrangement of dishes

In addition to serving cutlery and dishes, you need to lay out the food dishes themselves. Here is a small reminder on how this can be done beautifully and correctly.

OK it's all over Now. We wish you successful practice and happy, heartfelt holidays!

Today we will talk about how to set the table beautifully and correctly, giving as an example a photo of table setting for various holidays or everyday lunches. Proper table setting says a lot about the hostess, her education and taste, because one of the basic norms of ethics is the ability to set the table, know the purpose of all cutlery and use them correctly.

Choosing a tablecloth

First of all, a tablecloth is laid on the table, it would seem that this is already clear, however, this matter has its own subtleties. The tablecloth must be absolutely clean, smoothly ironed, otherwise it will only become an indicator of your untidiness. After you set the table for her, make sure she has food everywhere. equal length, and at the same time did not hang too low, since long edges can cause inconvenience for guests, and they can also be accidentally pulled, which will be an unpleasant end to the holiday. Too long ends can be secured using fabric snaps, which often have an interesting design.

Also, the tablecloth should not be too short, otherwise it will look as if the girl was wearing a dress several sizes too large. If you don’t have a tablecloth or want to set the table in an unusual way, you can use special large napkins for each person. Please note that these are not the ones that are placed on your knees or used to wipe your mouth; they are much denser in material and have big size, since plates, cutlery, and glasses should fit on them.

Serving rules

The next step is to arrange the plates; they are placed on top of each other depending on their size and purpose. Three types are most often used: soup, snack bar, and canteen. They are placed on the tabletop in the reverse order, since the guest will start with soup, then move on to appetizers, simply removing the already used plate from above.

Knives are placed to the right of the plate, followed by spoons in order of use. Today, the number of devices and their location are not determined as strictly as before. Since the design itself plays a huge role, based on which, according to the idea, the teaspoon can be placed not at all on the plate, but, for example, next to a saucer for cakes or served only with tea. The forks are placed on the left side with the teeth up, and the earlier it should be used, the closer it is to the plates. This arrangement of cutlery not only contributes to ease of use, but also helps guests avoid confusion.

Dessert cutlery is placed behind the plate, perpendicular to how all the others are laid out. There, on the right side, there are several glasses. There must be a glass for without alcoholic drinks: juice or mineral water. Also about 2-3 glasses, each intended for certain type alcohol.

Types of glasses

Let's start with something simple, everyone knows what a flute glass is, since traditionally, especially on New Year's Day, champagne is poured into it. Although glasses of this shape are also suitable for sparkling wines. The main feature is the elongated upward shape, which allows the foam to rise and air bubbles to play inside the liquid.

Red wine glasses are also easily imaginable for most; they have a thin stem, a rounded bottom, are quite voluminous and taper towards the top. However, the type of glasses varies greatly depending on the type of wine, for example, wine glasses for “Burgundy” and “Montrachet” have a much larger volume, more reminiscent of a ball or pear, tapering less towards the top. However, it is quite rare that people at home and not even always in restaurants follow such subtleties.

A white wine glass has a more elongated shape, more like an oval. Typically, two types of wine glasses are placed side by side, a glass or glass for the chosen strong drink is added to them, and other glasses are brought as needed. Otherwise, the entire table will be filled exclusively with glasses of different types.

A glass for whiskey or cognac is low, with a thick bottom, widens towards the top, and has a simple, fairly spacious shape. The martini glass is shaped like an inverted triangle, so it's not at all difficult to recognize. For cocktails, use straight glasses, shot glasses or two-tier ones complex shape. If you are not decorating a bar separately, then it is better to place small saucers with lemon, lime, and olives next to the bottles.

Napkin placement options

When serving, three types of napkins are used:

decorative;
napkins spread across your lap;
napkins designed for wiping hands or mouth.

Napkins that are placed on your lap can be placed on top of the soup plate, folded beautifully. Thus, when a person sits down at the table, he will immediately understand what it is intended for. On top of it you can put a small card with the guest's name or a sweet short wish. You can add a miniature flower or a piece of a spruce branch to the card.

Decorative napkins are usually placed under plates, sometimes additionally and between them. They can be folded into triangles, diamonds, or overlapping so that the colors intertwine with each other. In addition, you can also put small lace napkins under candles or glasses.

The most ordinary napkins are usually located under the cutlery, or behind the plates, but only one at a time. There should be a few more napkin holders in the center so guests can easily use whatever quantity they may need.

VIDEO: How to fold napkins beautifully

HOW TO Fold Napkins BEAUTIFULLY AND QUICKLY

HOW TO FOLD NAPKINS BEAUTIFULLY AND QUICKLY?? 3 WAYS TO Fold Napkins

Boho style decor

The “boho” style is distinguished by its brightness and abundance of various interior items and decor; it can combine dishes absolutely different styles, colors and shapes. The serving looks incredibly beautiful when all the glasses are made of different materials, some have Blue colour, some pink or green. In addition, this style is characterized by an abundance of textiles, that is, under each plate there can be several napkins also made of various materials, fringe and tassels are welcome, with which you can complement a monotonous tablecloth.

An important element is lighting; several lamps, lampshades, garlands can be placed around the table or above it, and candles can be placed on the tabletop itself different forms with unusual candlesticks or small lamps. Small frames and voluminous vases with flowers will fit interestingly into the decor. It is better to make bouquets from a mixture of wild and garden flowers, so that large heads of roses, lilies, and peonies can be seen among the abundance of greenery.

Easter table

Easter decor is truly one of the cutest, because decorating eggs, baking Easter cakes and creating little bunnies with your own hands is a favorite pastime for both children and adults. Easter table often looks stunning with baskets of colored eggs, candles and sprinkles on top of the cakes. However, this is not all that can be thought of to create a beautiful festive interior.

You can make a small basket from a bunch of branches, an egg carton or any other shape. Place napkins and lace inside (which goes very beautifully with canvas fabric and coarse craft thread). You can also complement the decor with grass and flowers, both natural and artificial. And eggs, or parts of their shells, are placed on top, from which toy chicks, hares, or again flowers can emerge.

The table can be decorated with candles of different diameters and colors; low, thick candles can be placed in shells or on varnished sections of wood. Napkins, tablecloth, color of plates and dishes are best chosen to match general decor. Below are photos of Easter table settings for inspiration.

New Year decoration

When decorating New Year's table The most commonly used colors are:

red;
green;
white;
gold.

However, it is better not to mix them together; only three colors should always be the main ones. It is better to combine gold only with white, for example, white tablecloths, beige napkins, white dishes, several of which may have a gold or black border, the pattern can also be in the form of specks. Transparent wine glasses can also be complemented with gold ribbons, white candles can be placed in golden candlesticks. You can add greenery to the bouquets; branches of lingonberries or spruce will suit the atmosphere perfectly.

Decorations made from fir branches are especially popular when serving on winter days; the photo below shows an example of how best to do this. They can be placed on the table between dishes, you can use them to decorate candles, or create a wreath in which long white candles will be inserted, which can be lit closer to midnight.

New Year or Christmas, celebrated in a red and green theme, is a classic. Checkered napkins, red tablecloth, fir cones, striped candy canes, Santa socks and white candles. This design is considered one of the most stylish and is quite traditional in America, where the New Year can be called the main holiday. You can also create a more relaxed design by placing decorations bright colors on a snow-white tablecloth.

Another stunning color combination, just more suitable for Russia: white, blue, silver. This is where you can again use glasses and napkins of different colors. You can place small Christmas decorations with silver glitter, such as deer or Christmas trees, on the table.

Holiday in nature

Perhaps one of the most beautiful views The table settings are a combination of boho, rustic and natural styles. The “rustic” style implies maximum closeness to nature, therefore, for the most part, natural materials are used, and dishes and decor are chosen in calm natural shades. Wedding tables are often decorated in a similar decor, on which there are always many bouquets made in delicate color variations, the main elements of which are again wildflowers.

Napkins are chosen from canvas fabric and white lace, cutlery can be tied with beige lace ribbons, and glasses can also be decorated with them. An abundance of lighting is also characteristic of all three styles, however, the color variations are no longer as bright and bold as in “boho”. Often, garlands with white or yellow light bulbs are chosen, which can be hung above the table or laid out on it; they can also be hung around trees or braided around trunks.

Candles or other lighting fixtures do not have to be exclusively white, but it is better to use pastel colors. It can be beige, light green, lilac, or soft pink - similar colors can be used throughout the interior. But again, make sure they match.

Table setting outdoors

Table setting rules
The word "serving" comes from the French servie, which means to serve, and has two meanings: preparing the table for breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea (arranging dishes in a certain order); a set of items intended for this purpose (dishes, etc.)
The basic requirements for table setting are the following: simplicity, practicality, coordination with the interior of the room, and compliance with the suspected food. Along with this, much attention is paid to the aesthetic orientation of table setting: shape, color, design of dishes, color of tablecloth and napkins, compliance with its thematic focus of the enterprise, use national characteristics and etc.
Requirements for table setting are determined by the basic rules for the operation of public catering establishments. It can be preliminary and executive.
Preliminary table setting is carried out in the process of preparing the room for service and includes a minimum number of items that can be used in the subsequent execution of the order. These include: pie plates, wine glasses, spice utensils, cutlery (knife, fork, spoon), napkins.
Executive (full) serving is carried out by the waiter, as a rule, depending on the menu of the accepted order.
Table setting depends on many factors: the type, class and specialization of the enterprise, the nature of the service, the method and features of serving individual dishes, etc.
In this regard, they provide table settings for serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee, and banquets.
Table setting, as well as the process of serving consumers in general, is creative in nature and has many options, but it is based on general rules, which are determined by the rationality, scientific organization of waiters’ work, as well as the need to provide maximum convenience to consumers.
Many requirements for table setting are determined
Table setting is carried out in a certain sequence: the table is covered with a tablecloth, then plates are placed, cutlery is laid out, wine glasses, napkins, and spice utensils are placed. Each serving element should have a specific place on the table.
Covering the table with a tablecloth is done so that the ironed central seam of the tablecloth is located along the axis of the table and both sides of it are at the same level of the table. The edges of the tablecloth should fall at least 25-35 cm from the edge of the tabletop, but not lower than the seat of the chair. A smaller descent of the tablecloth gives the table an unesthetic appearance, while a larger slope is inconvenient for consumers.

The figure shows what the correct descent of the tablecloth should be when laying square, round and rectangular tables.

Technique of work. The tablecloth is placed on the table from the side leading to the entrance to the hall. The waiter stands at the table with his back to the exit, unfolds it, leaving the tablecloth folded in four so that the edges hang evenly on the right and left sides. The center of the tablecloth and two free edges should be turned towards the waiter. The waiter takes the prepared tablecloth with both hands, grabbing it with his large and index fingers the top edge and supporting the middle with the rest of your fingers. Then he lifts the entire tablecloth and, holding it only by the top edge, points it forward and covers the end of the table. Holding the tablecloth between his thumb and forefinger, the waiter pulls it towards him across the table until the center fold aligns with the middle of the tabletop.
There is another technique: the waiter places the prepared tablecloth on the table, takes two of its four free corners (lying nearby) with his hands, shakes it vigorously and lowers it onto the tabletop.
A linen napkin is placed on a snack or dessert plate, paper napkins are placed in special stands or vases.
It is also possible to place napkins on a pie plate or directly on the tablecloth between cutlery (knife and fork). The different options for folding napkins are given below:

A small table, snack or dessert plate is placed exactly opposite the chair so that the distance from the plate to the edge of the tabletop is approximately 2 cm (Fig. 4, a). The logo should be on the side of the plate facing the middle of the table. At banquet serving The snack plate is placed on top of the small dining room. In this case, it is advisable to place a napkin between them, but so as not to cover the emblem (Fig. 4,b)
The pie plate is placed on the left side of the main one (small dining room or snack bar) at a distance of 5 - 10 cm, depending on the number of cutlery (forks) to be placed later. Possible various options placement of the pie plate in relation to the small plate or snack bar (Fig. 4 c-f).
cutlery is placed to the right and left of the central (small table, snack, dessert) plate: knives are placed on the right with the blade facing it, forks are placed on the left with the teeth up. The waiter always starts setting the table with cutlery with a knife.

Knives must be placed on the right side of the plate, placing them in the direction from left to right: table, fish, snack (Fig. 5,a); It is customary to place forks on the left side of the plate, placing them in the direction from right to left: table, fish, snack (Fig. 5, b). The consumer uses the utensils in the reverse order while eating.
It is recommended to set the table with no more than three sets of cutlery. If necessary, the fourth set can be placed on a snack plate under a napkin (Fig. 5, d). The butter knife is placed on the right side of the pie plate (Fig. 5, e). The tablespoon is always placed on the right side, with the indentation facing up (Fig. 5, e)
Dessert cutlery is placed in front of the plate (small table or snack bar) in the following order (from the plate to the center of the table): knife, fork, spoon (Fig. 5, d). When setting the table with dessert plates, you can place dessert utensils to the left (fork) and to the right (knife, spoon) of it. Often, when serving, only one of the dessert utensils is placed (Fig. 5, a, b, f) or in pairs - a spoon and a fork, a knife and a fork (Fig. 5, e, c).
The cutlery is placed at a short distance from the plate, and next to each other, but so that they do not touch.
The wine glass can be placed in the center behind the plate or moved to the right to the line where the top edge of the plate intersects the end of the first knife.
At mass service During the daytime, salt and pepper can be placed on the table. In other cases, it is recommended to use only salt when setting the table; other spices and seasonings are served with the appropriate dishes or at the request of consumers.
Closed utensils for salt and spices are placed in the middle part of the table in special stands or on a pie plate. Salt and spices should be dry and easily pour out of salt and pepper shakers. The holes through which spices are poured must be firmly closed with special stoppers. When setting banquet tables, the opening of the salt and pepper shakers is placed on the tablecloth without stands. A spoon for spices is placed on each device.
Fresh garden and wildflowers are used to decorate the table. They are placed in the center of the table in low vases of 3-5 pieces. in each. On some special occasions, cut flowers are laid out along the table in a path or 1-2 flowers are placed to the right of the knives near each place at the table.

Every self-respecting housewife should know the basic rules of table setting etiquette. This is the art of arranging cutlery beautifully in accordance with the rules of good manners. Table setting has a rich history: each era had its own rules for table decoration, which changed over time. Of course, there are many subtleties and nuances, but it is not at all necessary to apply them all. Enough to know basic rules table setting.

General rules for table setting

A table set according to the rules of etiquette is always pleasing to the eye and is a pleasant place to spend time having a leisurely conversation. The basic serving rules are quite simple.

All cutlery must be perfectly clean. To achieve sparkling cleanliness, you need to wipe them with a damp, warm towel. Then wipe dry thoroughly.
Make sure that there are no smudges on the cutlery or utensils.
An important component of serving is the tablecloth. It must be perfectly ironed. You need to cover the table with it so that the edges lightly cover its legs. They should hang down by about 25-30 cm. There is no need to additionally cover the tablecloth with oilcloth, because this is not accepted by the rules of good manners.
The number of cutlery depends on the number of dishes that will be served at the table.
Appliances should be arranged the same way for each guest.

By following these basic rules, your table will always be decorated in accordance with etiquette.

Tablecloth on the table

A classic and win-win option is snow-white tablecloth . She always looks elegant and solemn.
However, there is no need to be afraid to experiment. It should be selected depending on the general color palette cutlery, interior and type of feast. But one thing Golden Rule yes: the tablecloth should be combined with curtains and upholstery.
Usually preference is given to light shades. But they can also be colored, plain or with a pattern. But the pattern should be located along the edge, because excessive variegation can distract the attention of guests. If you prefer a dark-colored tablecloth, then the cutlery should be a light shade.
Now big choice tablecloth shapes and materials, but usually choose it in a rectangular or triangular shape. It is best to choose one made from fabric, especially natural materials– it will add even more comfort to the feast. The size should be such that its edges can cover the table legs, and the ends should hang 25-30 cm, but not be lower than the level of the seats.

The tablecloth for table setting is laid out as follows: opened, taken by the ends on one side. Then it is lifted, shaken and sharply lowered down. This makes it easier to level it out. But you don’t need to stretch it too much and pull the corners.

If the surface is polished, then you should put oilcloth under the tablecloth. The main thing is that it is clean and well ironed.

Cutlery - layout diagram

To location cutlery According to etiquette, you need to approach it responsibly. There is no need to put all kinds of cutlery on the table. They must correspond to the holiday list of dishes. Cutlery is divided into individual (which each guest has) and auxiliary - they are needed in order to lay out dishes.

In table etiquette, it is customary to first place dishes made of earthenware or porcelain, then place the cutlery, and only then place glass or crystal.
Glasses and wine glasses should be placed holding them by the stem.
According to the rules of etiquette, the spoon and knife should be placed to the right of the plate, and the fork to the left.
You need to use utensils starting from the outer edge, changing them towards the plate as you change dishes.
The distance between the cutlery and the plate should be 0.5-1 cm.

The figure shows the location of cutlery. Of course, the set of forks, spoons and knives depends on what dishes will be served on the table. Glasses with wine glasses are also selected depending on the drinks.

Serving plates

There is an order in which the plates are laid out.

Snack plate - it is placed in front of each chair at a distance of approximately 2 cm from the edge.
Pie plate (bread) - it is customary to place it on the left side of the snack bar at a distance of 5-15 cm.
If you serve several dishes, then place a dining room under the snack bar.

It is the responsibility of the housewife to promptly replace the plates with clean ones.

Serving with napkins

They are an integral part of serving. Folding napkins beautifully is a real art. The more solemn the holiday, the more elegantly they can be folded.

The material is chosen depending on the type of feast. You can take it for a holiday cotton or linen e. They are usually intended to be placed on guests' laps.

If you decide to use paper, then they are removed under the right edge of the plate. Or they are placed in general availability.

Napkins can be any color, the main thing is that they are folded beautifully and neatly.

Spice utensils

They are usually placed on the festive table at the very end of the table setting. They are placed on special stands in the center of the table. So you can use small boards or saucers as stands. This must include a salt and pepper shaker, as well as additional mustard, vinegar, vegetable oil and other spices.

Drink glasses

You need to remember about the glasses when serving. They can be made from either glass or crystal. Small glasses are intended for stronger alcohol. Therefore, there should be a wine glass, a glass, a glass, and glasses on the table.

Selected depending on the color of the drink. For red wine they should be larger than for white wine. Champagne is served in special glasses. There are also special beer glasses. Vodka is usually served in glasses.

The following set of cutlery must be present on the table:

pie plate;
snack bar;
wine glass;
saucer;
coffee cup and saucer.

Bread can be served in a wicker basket, and butter can be served in a butter dish made of ceramic or porcelain - this way it retains its taste. Sausage and cold cuts are served in an elongated plate. Cheese is served in one piece on a porcelain board, with a knife for cutting cheese placed next to it.

The snack plate is placed opposite the center of the chair, and the pie plate is placed to the left of it. The knife is placed to the right of the snack plate, with the blade facing it. Fork - on the left side, tines up. The teaspoon is placed with the handle to the right, parallel to the table. Vases with flowers, napkins and utensils with spices are placed in the center.

How to serve lunch and dinner correctly

The dinner table is set in such a way that guests can be served conveniently and quickly. To do this, place the snack plate on a stand, with the pie plate on the left side. Cutlery is placed between them - a knife and a spoon on the right, and a table fork on the left. And in front of the cutlery is a wine glass.

Also, when setting the table for dinner, you should place a ladle with which to pour the soup. This must be done carefully so as not to stain the tablecloth. If you drip a little, you need to blot the stain with a napkin. The main thing is not to attract the attention of guests, so as not to disturb the calm flow of the conversation.

Dessert table setting

For serving dessert table It is permissible to choose a brighter tablecloth. The ideal option would be to use a special tea set. It is customary to place beautiful lace napkins in the center of the table and under tea cups. Serving the sweet table holiday etiquette consists of the following cutlery:

cups and saucers (the cup must be turned with the handle to the right);
teaspoons (placed on a saucer, it is also permissible to place spoons behind the cup parallel to the table, with the handle on the right side);
small teapot;
a large kettle for boiling water;
Setting the table for dessert involves using a sugar bowl in which lump sugar is served along with tongs, or a special bowl;
a bowl for jam or preserves is placed on the left side;
lemon for tea is served on a special tray with a two-pronged fork for spreading;
milk jug placed on pie plate on the right side of the guest.
A plate for bread and sweets should be placed in front of each guest. Diagonally on the right side of it is a cup and saucer, and a teaspoon is placed next to it. A special spatula for serving the cake should be placed on the right side of the main plate.
The saucers are placed on the table, tea or coffee is poured into cups only when all the guests have taken their seats. Sweets are served on an elegant table: buns, pies with sweet filling, cakes, muffins, sweets and fruits. Alcoholic drinks include wine and liqueurs.

For a youth group you can make a buffet table. It is served with a stack of plates (8-10 pieces in one stack). Cloth napkins are placed behind it. Glasses and wine glasses are placed next to the drinks. If the company has smoking people– Ashtrays are placed at the ends of the table.

Festive table setting

Banquet table setting helps create a festive mood. The main thing is not only to serve the dishes correctly, but also to decorate the table beautifully. Table setting for a banquet depends on what dishes are served at the holiday. But there are principles of classic holiday table design.

Chairs must be placed at a distance of 50 to 80 cm from each other so as not to violate the personal space of guests.
The tablecloth should be light shades, bright and dark colors are best left for tea tables. Its edges should hang no more than 20-30 cm. To prevent the knocking of dishes from distracting guests from the conversation, oilcloth or oilcloth is laid under the tablecloth. soft cloth. But the main thing is that it is perfectly ironed and clean.

A napkin is placed on a serving plate and a plate intended for hot food is placed on it. A pie plate is placed on the left side of the snack plate so that they are on the same line. The serving plate should always remain in its place, and others can be replaced while dishes are being served.

There should be no more than 3 pairs of forks and spoons. To the right of the serving plate, place a soup spoon, a snack knife and a table knife, with the blade facing the plate, and the forks are placed on the left side. Only an oyster fork can be placed on the right. Place the forks with their tines up, and the spoons with their convex side on the table.
The principle of arrangement: the dish that is served first is the distant device.

Decor

Setting a festive table is also an opportunity to show your creative possibilities. You need to pay attention to decorative items - using flowers is a win-win option. Usually they are placed in the middle of the table - it can be a bouquet or composition.
It is important to consider the following nuances:

so that none of the guests are allergic to them;
the bouquet should not contain flowers with a strong aroma;
The vase with the bouquet must be placed at a distance from the cutlery.

For New Year or a romantic date, you can choose more original decoration table. On New Year's feast you can put a composition made from pine needle branches, Christmas decorations, tinsel. Candles are perfect for a romantic evening. On the table, the holiday atmosphere will be conveyed by objects in the form wedding rings, figurines of the bride and groom, doves.

You should be especially imaginative when decorating a table for a child’s birthday. You can attach balloons to the backs of the chairs, and pictures from your favorite cartoons will be a bright detail. It is important that everything decorative elements were designed in the same style. They should not be too high so that guests can see each other. The main thing is not to overdo it with decoration, so that the table setting at the holiday and the decoration complement each other.

Depending on the interior and imagination, festive or dinner table can amaze guests with its sophistication. A additional elements table settings will give it brightness and originality. The listed design principles are not complicated and are an indicator of good taste.